Announcements and News

Announcement: December 2018

What are some of your holiday traditions? For most people, it's family photos and holiday cards. Why not brighten your smile for these photos? The State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM can help you save on teeth whitening and any last-minute cleanings you want to schedule.

Enjoy your discounts, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Note: This plan is not insurance.

Healthy Tips for the HolidaysDecember 2018

During the holidays, your dental health can fall by the wayside with all the tempting sweets and desserts if you're not careful. It's best to give them a bit of TLC. Use these tips to keep your teeth healthy through this holiday season.

Announcement: November 2018

ERS Fall Enrollment for Medicare eligible retirees is in full swing!

Interested in signing up? You still have until November 14, 2018 to sign up for the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM. Don't forget, with plan participation you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment.

Note: This plan is not insurance.

American Diabetes MonthNovember 2018

Did you know nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes? If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be aware of the many problems the disease can cause. Many may be surprised that diabetes and gum disease are linked. Research shows those with diabetes often also suffer from gum disease.

Announcement: October 2018

ERS Fall Enrollment

Routine dental exams are crucial to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that a routine dental exam can detect signs of diabetes, leukemia, kidney disease, heart disease and more? If you haven't already, call and make an appointment today.

Don't forget, with plan participation you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment.Note: This plan is not insurance.

Interested in signing up? Fall Enrollment dates are October 29 through November 14, 2018 for retirees enrolled in Medicare and their eligible dependents.

Dry Mouth? Here's How to Fix ItOctober 2018

Dry mouth is one of the most common issues older Americans report to their dentist. Dry mouth isn't exclusively an age-related issue. In fact, the medications patients use to treat certain diseases often caused dry mouth.

Announcement: September 2018

Attention State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM participants: Now is a great time for one of your two recommended annual cleanings!

Routine dental exams are crucial to your overall health and well-being. Did you know that your teeth and mouth may reveal signs of diabetes, leukemia, kidney disease, heart disease and some kinds of cancers? These can all be identified from a routine dental exam. If you haven't already, make an appointment today!

Don't forget, with your plan participation you can save 20% to 60% on dental care and treatment. You can also save on orthodontics for you and your eligible dependents. The Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance.

Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 (TTY-711) with any questions about your plan. Our customer service team is happy to help!

Senior Dental CareSeptember 2018

Proper dental care is a necessity, especially as we get older. According to the Washington Dental Service Foundation (WDSF), only about 75% of seniors (60 years or older) have some of their original teeth.

Announcement: July 2018

Summer Enrollment has begun! Sign up from June 25 through July 27. Employees, retirees not enrolled in Medicare and their eligible dependents can sign up for the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM during Summer Enrollment or within 31 days of a qualifying life event. The Dental Discount Plan can help you save on dental care like cleanings, fillings and dentures.

Our network in Texas and throughout the U.S. is now bigger than ever, so finding a dentist near you won't be a problem! And if your favorite dentist isn't in our network, you can easily nominate him or her to join our plan.

Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or search for a provider near you and schedule your appointment to save! Remember, the Dental Discount Plan is not dental insurance. This discount plan allows you to pay a discounted fee at the time of service when you visit a participating network dentist. There are no deductibles, copayments or claims forms to file. There are no limits on plan use, you can change providers at any time, and savings start as soon as your plan is effective.

Is Chewing Ice Bad For You? July 2018

Chewing ice can be a great way to cool off, especially now that summer is here. But what are the downsides of chewing ice?

Top Tips to Keep Your Teeth Clean June 2018

Announcement: May 2018

It's almost time, Summer Enrollment for participants not enrolled in Medicare starts this month! Enrollment opens June 25 through July 27, 2018.

Employees, retirees not enrolled in Medicare and their eligible dependents can sign up during Summer Enrollment or within 31 days of a qualifying life event, such as:

a new hire,

rehire,

retirement,

marriage or

birth of a child.

Call State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or search for a provider near you. Schedule your appointment and save today!

How Smoking Affects Your Teeth May 2018

Cigarettes have long been a health concern, and they are usually most associated with cancer and respiratory problems. But how does smoking affect your oral health? Do smokers need to see the dentist more often?

Finding the Right Mouthwash April 2018

Ever wonder why your mouthwash tends to burn? You might have to feel the burn to get results from your workout, but that shouldn't apply to your mouthwash! That burn is from the alcohol in the solution. Mouthwash containing alcohol usually has about 20% to 30% alcohol content. If used too often, this type of mouthwash can irritate your mouth, dry it out and even cause sores over time.

Announcement: March 2018

Once you're a member of the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM, we can help you find a participating provider in Texas or anywhere in the U.S.* if you're away from home. You can save from 20% to 60% on your dental care, ranging from cleanings and teeth whitening to orthodontics and pricier procedures.

You can also see any participating provider you want. Not in love with the dentist you saw? No problem. You can change providers at any time. Dependents can choose their own providers, too.

Announcement: February 2018

Many of us like to make New Year's Resolutions, and often they are to get healthier. We want to better ourselves, but not everybody knows that a healthy body starts with a healthy mouth!

This new year, when you buy produce and lean protein at the grocery store, pick up some floss, too! When you go to the gym and return home feeling great about yourself, finish your nightly routine strong with brushing, flossing and mouthwash. As you continue to keep your goals and take care of your body, make sure you show your teeth some TLC, too.

Don't abandon your resolution for a healthier mouth! It's so simple to do, and your teeth will thank you for it.

Wisdom Teeth February 2018

Can you afford to skip your wisdom teeth removal? The short answer is usually no!

Announcement: December 2017

At a time of year when many of us are buying presents for loved ones, it can be hard to think about another big expense. If you've been putting off important dental work or your routine checkup that can help recognize other health concerns, the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM can help reduce that cost to something a little more affordable!

A Photo-ready Smile December 2017

It's important not to neglect your smile during the holidays. Even though we are busy shopping for our friends and family, don't forget to treat yourself. A checkup or teeth whitening session can do wonders for your smile!

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Disclosures:
THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE and is not intended to replace insurance. This plan is not a Qualified Health Plan under the Affordable Care Act. The plan provides discounts at certain health care providers for dental services. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and service. The plan does not make payments directly to the providers of dental services. Plan members are obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount medical plan organization. Discount Medical Plan Organization and administrator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; phone (844) 377-3368 (TTY - 711).

*The plan is not available to residents of Vermont or U.S. territories.